It's Monday.

Here for the Jewelry GIVEAWAY? Scroll down to the previous post. Remember - closes Sept 3!

It is crazy hot here today, with a humidex expected to reach over 40C (105F). I know I won't be upstairs long, as the mugginess will drive me to the air-conditioned bliss downstairs.

I just wanted to share a few things with my lovely readers.

First, a preview pic of the first piece I have completed for

Swan River Stone (giveaway now closed)

Back in 2008, I was the lucky winner of a pair of gold teardrop loop and boro bead earrings from a blog giveaway.
The artisan, Andrea, was a fairly new Etsy seller.  Her shop NyBlaque was just getting off the ground.
I immediately adored the art and the artist.
Andrea's personal attention to her customers, her friendly nature, and her wonderful craftsmanship make her a perfect fit for the